Dating Violence Bill Proposed for Ninth Time

Victims of dating violence may soon have more protection under Utah law. Yesterday the House Judiciary Committee passed a bill that offers people in dating relationships the same legal protection as couples who are married or living together. Jessica Gail reports on why all lawmakers are not on board with the bill.

House Minority Leader Jen Seelig is hoping the ninth time is the charm. That’s how many times a dating violence protection bill has been proposed the state legislature...but this year..she’s hopeful it will pass.

Under HB 50 victims of dating violence would be eligible to get a protective order against an abuser. Currently Utah law makes that difficult for those who are not living together or married.

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The bill unanimously passed out of the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday but Republican Representative LaVar Christensen of Sandy- who sat on the committee- expressed some concerns with proposed legislation that may bring up some debate when the bill goes up for a vote on the House floor.

But Peg Coleman, Executive Director of the Utah Domestic Violence Council says her agency sees the need for this law nearly every day.

The bill has bi-partisan support with Republican Senator Curt Bramble sponsoring it in the Senate.